Usually this topic brings up a list of new and more restrictive requirements that have been enacted as a part of the code process.  This year we would like to take an alternate view and present some areas where code requirements have been altered or relaxed to allow the design professional and owner some additional flexibility in their designs.  The bottom line is that Building codes do not always become more restrictive.

MEZZANINES
Sections 505.2 and 505.4 provide under certain conditions the allowable area of a mezzanine may be increased from 1/3 to ½ of the area of the room in which it is located. And in occupancies other than Groups H and I that are not more than two stories above grade plane and equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system a mezzanine having two or more means of egress need not be required to be open to the room in which it is located.

FIRE SPRINKLERS
In section 708.1 the need for one (1) hour rated tenant separation walls between mini storage units has been eliminated where a sprinkler system meeting the requirements of ordinary Hazard Group II as defined in NFPA 13 is installed and employing quick response heads.

GUARDRAILS
In section 1013.3 the guardrail opening limitation now includes a spacing limitation for balusters along the sides of stair in Groups R-2 and R-3 occupancies slightly larger than that in other locations and occupancies.  The general rule is that a 4” sphere cannot pass between the balusters whereas the new exception requires that a 4.375” sphere not be able to pass through.

In each of the cases above and in numerous other code revisions the codes have relaxed slightly in recognition of the effectiveness of sprinklers or fire retardant materials.  In other cases like the change in baluster spacing it has to do with the required tread length and a desire to allow a spacing that would result in a uniform spacing with readily available materials.  The Codes are constantly changing and improving while still maintaining the requisite level of safety and protection. These changes and improvements reflect our Building Code Officials, who do an excellent job, responding to new and changing technologies as well as industry and owner needs.

If you have questions about this issue, we're here to help. Contact Gary Pailthrop at gpailthorp@brackenengineering.com  

Bracken Engineering, Inc. is proud to be partnering with Angel’s Unaware a Tampa based, non-profit organization, dedicated to providing quality professional residential care for the severe and profoundly developmentally disabled individuals of the Tampa Bay Area. This organization gives their residents the ability to reach their full potential and to claim their own independence while enjoying an enhanced quality of life.

Angel’s Unaware was founded in 1973 by a group of concerned parents whose children were developmentally disabled. As one of the first successful group homes in the Tampa Bay Area these parents made a promise to help both mobile and non-mobile residents in an independent environment, and since making that promise in 1973 the community has grown into eight highly specialized group homes that are equipped to fully support the needs of each resident.

As an organization licensed and regulated by the Agency for People with Disabilities as well as one who’s core values have actively enhanced the lives of many members of our local community, Bracken Engineering, Inc. is proud to dedicate themselves to the betterment of this organization and its residents and will be participating in assisting Angel’s Unaware with renovations and community improvements over the course of the upcoming year.

For more information on the Angel’s Unaware organization or to see how you can help, please visit their website at www.angelsunaware.com/.

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